Why Culture Shock Is a Valuable Part of ‘Thoughtful Travel,’ According to Rick Steves
Ask students: Who is the travel expert discussing how to approach summer vacation in Europe? What trip inspired Rick Steves to become a travel writer?
Millions of Americans are expected to go on a European vacation this summer. Many of those going for the first time are likely to be following the advice of travel writer Rick Steves, host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” on PBS stations.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- Who is the travel expert discussing how to approach summer vacation in Europe?
- What trip inspired Rick Steves to become a travel writer?
- Where in Europe is Steves's favorite country?
- When did Steves choose being a traveler over a tourist?
- Why is embracing culture shock important for a traveler?
Focus Questions
- What is culture shock?
- Why do you think Rick Steves's approach to travel, which embraces culture shock, is essential to understanding different cultures?
- Media literacy: How do you usually form your understanding of other cultures? Do you think firsthand immersion offers a different perspective than the media's portrayal of a country? Explain.
Extension Activity
- Research your town's tour guide, if any, and reflect on how well it encompasses your community's landmarks and traditions. If the guide is lacking or inaccurate, consider going through the process of updating it.
- Explore neighborhoods in close proximity to your home with a different predominant culture that your own. Consider taking steps to immerse yourself in the culture and consider the accuracy of your own preconceived conceptions of that area.
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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